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Get reading this World Gaelic Week!

Seachdain na Gàidhlig, or World Gaelic Week, is Monday 20 February to Sunday 26 February 2023 – making it a great time to explore books, stories or songs and rhymes in Gaelic!

Genre: Language, Scotland
Age group: 3-5, 6-8, 9-11
Audience: Professionals
Topics: Gaelic

Last updated: 10 August 2023

Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week logo

Where to start?

If you're new to Gaelic, or not sure where to start, Seachdain na Gàidhlig's learning resources(this link will open in a new window) are available in both English and Gaelic, and are designed for both learners and more fluent speakers. Their resources include videos you can use with your class even if you dont speak Gaelic yourself. If you don't teach Gaelic within your school, you can also use this week to learn more about the cultural contribution and impact of Gaelic in Scotland – both historically and today.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig's resources can be used across the curriculum, for example, learning about Gaelic in your local area or community, exploring Gaelic music and hosting a ceilidh with food and drink!

If you, or your class, would like to explore learning Gaelic, Seachdain na Gàidhlig also has a webpage of resources(this link will open in a new window) that will help you get started. Their resources are also designed to help you get started with everyday phrases and vocabulary. 

Using stories, songs, and rhymes

Stories are a great way to learn or improve your vocabulary, phrases, pronunciation and start building an understanding of ideas and grammar in another language. Reading, or singing, together can help build confidence and make learning more fun!

For tips on getting started with reading together in Gaelic we also have also a full length webinar on sharing Scots and Gaelic with babies and young children. You can also find Bookbug programmes in Gaelic including songs and rhymes through the Bookbug Song and Rhyme Library.

For older children, you can watch our Authors Live featuring the Gruffalo in Gaelic. Alongside each broadcast is a learning activity you can do together as a class. Seachdain na Gàidhlig(this link will open in a new window)'s secondary resources also share Gaelic songs, poems, and literature.

First Minister's Reading Challenge

If you work in a Gaelic Medium Education school and have promoted a reading culture in your school, you can submit to the First Minister's Reading Challenge 2023(this link will open in a new window) and be in with a chance of winning a national award! Registering via the First Minister's Reading Challenge website(this link will open in a new window) grants you access to downloadable resources, and lets you apply for funding to bring an author or storyteller to your school.